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Pulau Tioman, or Tioman Island, lies roughly 30 miles off peninsular Malaysia’s east coast in Pahang province, the largest in the country. Set in the South China Sea and presenting one of the most beautiful tropical backdrops and loveliest beaches in the country, Pulau Tioman is one of the most cherished of all places for Malaysia holidays. Locals refer to the island as Gunung Daik Bercabang Tiga and with rough measurements of 20 by 6 miles wide, it is large enough to accept thousands of tourists. There are eight major villages, the biggest and most populated being Kampung Tekek which is located at the northern region.

To stay and savor it all, visitors enjoy many accommodation options on Pulau Tioman, which also means plenty of dining options. Over the years many resorts have been offering world class standards and accommodations steeped in luxury with a distinct Asian twist and traditional hospitality. While most are resorts, there are a smattering of chalets, inns, and cabanas offering a smaller, quieter setting than their larger neighbors. Most hotels reside on the west coast, lining the water from north to south. Of the dozens of choices, only five or so are located on the east side with a few choices offered on the southern end.

There are ample accommodations, plenty of excellent vacation packages, and myriad things to do on Pulau Tioman, number one being scuba diving on account of the massive coral reef surrounding the entire island. Tioman is also a designated nature reserve, home to dozens of unique mammals strongly protected by local government. Common Palm Civets, Long Tailed Macaques, Giant Flying Squirrels, and Mouse Deer are among only a few of the 45 species included in dedicated conservation efforts. These animals and many more can be seen along the island’s popular nature walks and treks. Tours and individual guides offer all kinds of adventures, from snorkeling and scuba diving at Kampung Salang to jungle trekking and island hopping. Island tours include trips to nearby islands including Rawa, Gual, and Mensirip. Deep sea fishing is another notable activity to try.